James G. Sneer
BLOOMINGTON–James G. Sneer passed away comfortably surrounded by his family on January 14, 2026, at his residence in Bloomington, Minnesota. James (Jim) was born in Mountain Lake Minnesota on May 27, 1937, to George and Marie Sneer. He spent his time being a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. Jim was married to his loving wife, Susan (Sue) Sneer for a blessed 62 years. Jim was preceded in death by Susan (wife,) George and Marie Sneer (parents,) Harrold Sneer (brother, ) Richard Sneer (brother,) and Caroline Harrington (sister.) He is survived by son Stuart (Ann), daughter Jenny Johnson (Trent Shaw), grandchildren Sara Burroughs (Aaron), Emily Sieberg (Matt), Nicholas Johnson, Benjamin Sneer (Abigale), and Nathan Johnson (Julia Priem). He has five great grandchildren: Andrew Sieberg, Elijah Burroughs, William Sieberg, Henry Burroughs, and Allison Sieberg. Jim was also survived by sisters Betty Grams (Howard) and Jeanette Crispin. Jim’s children and grandchildren will fondly remember his famous motto of, “Family First.” Jim was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Jim and Sue rarely missed attending their children’s or grandchildren’s activities as well as a good family style meal. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, hunting, fishing, running, and fitness. One of Jim’s many life accomplishments was to proudly run 27 marathons. Among his favorite marathon experiences was running into East Germany prior to the Berlin Wall coming down. Jim also ran marathons with his son and daughter. Jim also enjoyed gardening, volunteering at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, attending church, and helping others.
Jim lived the majority of his life in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, where he was an active contributor to the life of the community. Jim was a Mt Lake High School 1955 graduate and was an all-around athlete competing in football, boys’ basketball, baseball, and track and field. He and his wife Sue became lifelong supporters of the MLHS athletics program contributing to the athletic facilities at Munson field including the football field, track and baseball diamonds. Jim and Sue entered the MLHS Hall of Fame as contributors with the Class of 2016.
Jim carried on his love of athletics playing college football at Mankato State University, now know was Minnesota State University, Mankato. He graduated from MSU in 1959 and over the years stayed closely connected to the football program. Jim went on to become a benefactor for the Minnesota State University, Mankato football scholarship fund. If there was a home Minnesota State University football game, it was a safe bet he did everything he could do to be in attendance.
If Jim’s greatest joy in life was his family, then it can be said that growing the family business was his passion. His faith filled vision and integrity laid the foundation of the United Prairie Bank, which he started in 1973. He was also a graduate of the Harvard Business School of Finance. Jim’s 60 years of unwavering commitment to serving many southwestern communities with trust and excellence shaped not only the United Prairie Bank institution but also the lives of countless businesses, farms, and families across southern Minnesota. Jim and his accomplishments will be missed by the greater Minnesota banking community.
Memorial service is Saturday, April 11th, 11 am, at Wooddale Church, 6330 Shady Oak Road, Eden Priaire, MN 55344. Reception to immediately follow after the service.
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